Zoom Fatigue What It Is And How To Alleviate It

What Causes Zoom Fatigue?

Zoom fatigue is a form of mental strain caused by excessive videoconferencing. It’s not limited to Zoom. The term applies to any videoconferencing service, including Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Skype, and others, but the Zoom moniker stuck because of the service’s popularity.  Like computer eye strain, Zoom fatigue is partly caused by staring at a computer (or smartphone) screen. It’s also taxing to the brain in a few ways, including a lack of visual cues and overstimulation.

Body Language

You might not realize how much you depend on body language and other cues that are easy to pick up in person but difficult or impossible over a videoconference. Similarly, many people rely on a form of lip reading to help them “hear” better. If the video and audio don’t match up, that also wreaks havoc on the brain. Your body language plays a part too. When you’re all in the same room, people understand you’re still paying attention even if you glance out the window or looks over your notes. But if you’re not staring directly into the camera on a video call, it can look like you’re not listening. But continuously staring at the same thing isn’t natural and can also be exceptionally draining.

Visual Stimuli

It’s also more challenging to take in all the visual stimuli over video than in person. According to National Geographic, “Gallery view—where all meeting participants appear Brady Bunch-style—challenges the brain’s central vision, forcing it to decode so many people at once that no one comes through meaningfully, not even the speaker.”

Interruptions

Finally, it’s not possible to have side conversations or ask to look at your neighbor’s notes as you can in a conference room, and it’s hard to interject. The constant false starts and talking over one another kills the momentum.

How to Alleviate Zoom Fatigue

The ways to ease or avoid Zoom fatigue are all about reducing brain strain. Methods include cutting down on visual stimuli, maintaining focus, and taking frequent breaks. The tips below can also help with in-person meetings.